A delicious blend of herbs and spices that make a tasty topping for baked salmon. This gorgeous ‘spice rack’ seasoning for salmon is easy to make and tastes sublime!.
I use a lot of herbs and spices in my cookery. My spice rack/cupboard is overflowing!
As well as individual spices and herbs, I’m also a complete sucker for blends and mixes. Some of these, like garam masala, ras el hanout, and herbs de Provence, are tried and true, but there are also a lot that aren’t so traditional. Things with names like “herbs for fish”, “season all” and “grill spice”.
Many of these have come back with us as holiday souvenirs, or were gifts from friends. Typically they get used a few times, then languish on the shelves for months/years before being thrown away.
I’ve decided to stop buying ready-made blends in bulk and start mixing my own in small amounts instead. This will help me save money and make more room on my spice rack.
This way, I can make enough for, say, two or three meals and eat it all before it tastes bad.
That’s the idea behind it: I’ll have a rotating cast of tasty herb and spice blends that don’t stay too long.
Salmon is one of the most versatile and delicious fish to cook with. Its rich, fatty texture can stand up to a variety of flavors and cooking methods. One of the best ways to bring out the best in salmon is to pair it with fresh, vibrant herbs. Herbs add aroma, brightness and depth to complement the fish.
Choosing the right herbs can really make your salmon dish sing. The key is to select herbs that will enhance the natural flavor of the salmon without overpowering it. Here are 10 of the best fresh and dried herbs to pair with salmon fillets, steaks and sides.
1. Parsley
Fresh parsley is one of the most commonly used herbs with salmon. It has a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that brings brightness to fish without obscuring the delicate salmon flavor
Fresh parsley, chopped up, is a great way to decorate salmon because it adds color and freshness. It’s especially good paired with lemon wedges or a squeeze of citrus.
You can also use dried parsley flakes to season your salmon before cooking Rubbing the salmon with dried parsley gives a more subtle herbal flavor Dried parsley is great for recipes like creamy salmon piccata or salmon baked with asparagus.
2. Dill
Dill has a distinctive but gentle anise-like flavor. The feathery, aromatic leaves pair beautifully with salmon’s richness.
Fresh dill weed is ideal for serving atop cooked salmon. Try making a quick dill sauce by combining chopped dill with yogurt, lemon juice and garlic.
Dried dill weed also works well for seasoning salmon before baking or pan-searing. Rub a light coating over salmon fillets or add it to the pan for extra flavor. Just a bit of dried dill can give a tasty flavor boost to salmon dishes.
3. Tarragon
Tarragon has an anise-like licorice flavor that pairs deliciously with fish. It is widely used in French cuisine.
When using tarragon with salmon, a light hand is best. Use just a sprinkling in sauces or compound butter to highlight the anise notes without overwhelming the dish.
Dried tarragon can be rubbed directly onto salmon fillets before cooking for a sophisticated flavor. Tarragon also shines when paired with lemon – try it in a baked salmon with lemon butter sauce.
4. Fennel
Both fennel fronds and fennel seeds can be used to add flavor dimension when cooking salmon.
Fennel has a fresh, aromatic flavor similar to anise or licorice. Lightly crushing the dried fennel seeds before cooking releases more of their fragrance.
Rubbing salmon fillets with crushed fennel seeds before baking or broiling gives the fish a sweet yet savory top note. The flavor pairs especially well with cooking methods like roasting or grilling.
For something different, try chopping up fresh fennel fronds and using them as an herb garnish for seared or poached salmon.
5. Basil
Bright, peppery basil is a versatile herb that enlivens any fish dish. Its flavor really brings out the best in rich, fatty salmon.
Chopped fresh basil is excellent paired with roasted, grilled or baked salmon. Try a pesto topping made with basil, garlic, olive oil and pine nuts. Or mix basil into a compound butter to melt over cooked salmon fillets.
Dried basil can be used to coat salmon before cooking. Focus on using just a small amount – a little dried basil goes a long way.
6. Thyme
Thyme is an aromatic herb with a woodsy, slightly minty flavor. Both lemon thyme and regular thyme pair well with salmon.
Sprigs of fresh thyme can be baked right on top of salmon fillets for a flavorful crust, or try thyme mixed into a bread crumb topping.
Dried thyme seasoning can be used to coat salmon before searing in a hot pan. Thyme’s flavor stands up well to high-heat cooking.
For something different, make lemon thyme butter by softening butter with minced fresh thyme and lemon zest. Chill and slice to top cooked salmon.
7. Rosemary
The piney flavor of rosemary makes an excellent match for salmon’s rich texture. It’s especially good paired with roasted or grilled salmon.
Fresh rosemary can be used to infuse olive oil for roasting salmon. Or mix chopped rosemary into sea salt for a flavorful roasted salmon rub.
Dried rosemary can be used to coat salmon fillets before pan-searing or baking. Try rubbing salmon with a blend of dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper for extra flavor.
8. Sage
Earthy, savory sage pairs deliciously with salmon’s richness. It brings warm flavor notes without being overbearing.
Chopped fresh sage is excellent mixed into a compound butter for serving atop cooked salmon. You can also bake salmon seasoned with sage leaves for a crusty topping.
When using dried sage, use a light hand and add just a small amount. A little dried sage seasoning goes a long way.
9. Oregano
Bright, aromatic oregano can add a flavor punch to salmon fillets or steaks. It has a slightly peppery, minty taste.
Chopped fresh oregano is great paired with garlic, lemon and olive oil as a drizzle for cooked salmon. Dried oregano also pairs well with citrus and garlic seasonings.
Try a small amount of dried oregano in the breading for pan-fried salmon cakes, mixed into a yogurt dip for salmon, or as part of a spiced salmon rub.
10. Cilantro
Fresh cilantro (also called coriander) has a distinct citrus-like flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon. It adds a fresh twist.
Chopped cilantro is delicious as a flavorful topping for poached, grilled or baked salmon fillets. The cool, crisp taste offsets the salmon’s fattiness.
Cilantro also shines when paired with chili, garlic and lime as a zesty seasoning for salmon tacos or ceviche. Use your imagination and get creative with fresh cilantro!
Finally, don’t forget classics like chives, mint, chervil and lemon balm. While not as widely used with salmon, they can all add fresh flavor when used in moderation.
Experiment and have fun finding your own favorite herb combos! Salmon takes well to many herbs. The key is using a delicate hand and letting the salmon shine through.
Spice rack seasoning for salmon
There are a lot of different herbs and spices on the spice rack, which is why I call it “spice rack salmon.” But don’t be scared off—you probably already have most of them, and it’s easy to mix them all together to make this delicious mix.
These are all very tasty on their own, even if you buy some new herbs or spices because of them. Don’t be afraid to try new flavors in your cooking. A little of this and that makes everything taste great.
This recipe makes about 6 tablespoons of salmon or other fish seasoning, which I think is enough for 12 to 15 servings. So three meals for four people, two meals for six, etc.
Superb herbs for fish
First up, is this amazing herb and spice seasoning for salmon or other kinds of fish. This is based on a mixture that I received as a gift a few years ago. It contained everything but the kitchen sink and I was initially wary that it would be overpowering.
However, I sprinkled some over a salmon fillet before baking, and the results were absolutely sublime!
I went from a cautious sprinkle to what you might call a crust, and this mix of herbs and spices has never let me down. All you need is a squeeze of lemon and you have a tasty and sophisticated main course.
Best Salmon Recipe | Rosemary Salmon | Garlic Herb Salmon
What herbs go well with salmon?
Salmon can hold many different herb flavors well, due to its bold, rich flavor and buttery texture. However, the best herbs to use with salmon are dill, fennel, tarragon, parsley, sage, basil, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary and ground coriander. Deciding which herbs to use to flavor your salmon fillets will also depend on how you are cooking them.
Is farmed salmon as nutritious as wild salmon?
Scientific evidence suggests that farmed salmon may be larger than wild salmon and have a higher omega-3 content. However, it may also be more likely to contain contaminants.
How do you use herbs with salmon?
One great way to use herbs with salmon is to create a simple herb butter. To make herb butter, simply soften some butter and mix in chopped herbs like dill, parsley, and chives. Spread the herb butter over the salmon before cooking or serve it on top of the cooked fish for an extra burst of flavor.
Is Basil good for salmon?
Basil Basil is a versatile herb that adds a sweet and fresh flavor to salmon dishes. Its slightly minty flavor can complement the richness of salmon. Basil can be used in sauces or marinades, or added to a pesto for a zesty and flavorful finish.